Turnout the lights

Boston City Councilor Bill Linehan, the new host of the event, admits he didn't even invite the three GOP hopefuls to what has traditionally been a bipartisan event where Republicans offered as many bad jokes as they received.

That included candidates for office outside the commonwealth's confines. But with the departure of former Sen. Jack Hart, new rules apparently apply.Only Democrats Ed Markey and Southie's own Steve Lynch has a place at the table this time around.

“I’m not barring them because they are Republicans,” said Linehan. "If they contact us we’ll get them in the
room. Those that are elected have a certain place at the breakfast.”

The breakfast used to be the must-do event of the political calendar. But as it has grown to encompass the cavernous Boston Convention and Exhibition Center ballroom, it lost its charm and spontaneity.